It’s just about to turn midnight as I’m writing this,
meaning it is one 6 days, 13 hours, and 40 min before my plane takes off from
Los Angeles, California to go to Tokyo, Japan. Although this is not the first time I leave
the country (viva Mexico!), it is the first time I’ll be away for as long as 4 months.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been dreaming to go to
Japan since I was a little girl. I kept telling myself I’d be an artist there,
making my own manga cartoons. My determination has brought me to that point to
finally say that I will be studying abroad during my sophomore year in college.
Although I won’t be heading there to become an artist, I do plan to pursue a
career in journalism.
This program will also help me understand what it means
to be an Asian Studies minor. I plan to incorporate both fields of study to be
able to work internationally in this business.
I’ve been asked many questions related to me going to Japan.
Do you know how to speak Japanese? Why do you even want to go? How much was the
ticket? And other questions like, “do you even like to eat Japanese food?”
Yes I do, or at least that I’m currently studying the
language. I want to go so that I know what’s out there, there’s more to life
than being in America. The ticket was $$$$$$, but worth it. Lastly, OF COURSE I
LIKE JAPANESE FOOD, maybe not all of it but I’m very much willing to try their
dishes. Why not, right?
Nonetheless, my first-year experience at the College of
Saint Benedict has really helped me realize that I have so much potential that
I cannot let myself be afraid anymore. To be honest, if I had stayed within my
own state for college, I don’t think I’d be heading to Japan anytime soon. Why?
Because the environment at Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s University has pushed
me to break through my shell and become an inspired, independent, and strong leader.
Don’t believe me? Well, once I go back for spring semester I’ll be working as a
student supervisor at Sexton Dining as well as a Co-Executive for the Cultural
committee which is run by the Joint Events Council on campus.
What I’m trying to say is that, anyone can do what your
heart’s desire is. It might sound a little lame to put it into those words but
it’s true. Hard work pays off so much that sometimes I really can’t believe how
far I’ve gone throughout my years of schooling.
I also hope that this trip to Japan will not be the last,
but until then, I’ll be making the best of this experience. I also hope to
achieve my personal, professional, and educational goals while I’m abroad.
Please wish me the best of luck (I miss Minnesota and
California already).
Thanks for following.
